Luke Air Force Base in Glendale in Maricopa County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Republic F-84F Thunderstreak

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 19, 2026

1. Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Marker

Inscription. The F-84F Thunderstreak entered operational service at Luke AFB in January 1954. The USAF Thunderbirds, formed here in May 1953, converted to the Thunderstreak in 1955 and flew it until their transfer to Nellis AFB in June 1956. The F-84F served at Luke until June 1964. Earlier straight-winged versions of the F-84, nicknamed Thunderjets, were primary trainers at Luke from 1951-1957. The combined F-84 training programs produced 6,930 graduates at Luke AFB.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1954.

Location. 33° 32.389′ N, 112° 21.653′ W. Marker is in Glendale, Arizona, in Maricopa County. It is in Luke Air Force Base. It can be reached from West Falcon Street west of Bong Lane. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Luke Air Force Base AZ 85309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert,

in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area,

and in the Tohono O’odham Nation.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the

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Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Gadsden Purchase,

and Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: SPAD XIII (a few steps from this marker); North American F-100C Super Sabre (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barry M. Goldwater Range (within shouting distance of this marker); McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II (within shouting distance of this marker); Medal of Honor Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); McDonnell Douglas F-15B Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); North American F-86F Sabre (within shouting distance of this marker); North American AT-6 Texan (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glendale.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 19, 2026

2. Republic F-84F Thunderstreak Marker

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, January 19, 2026

3. F-84F

This aircraft on loan from the National Museum of the United States Air Force
This F-84F on display is actually aircraft 52-6782, but it is painted and marked to depict Serial No. 52-6779, assigned to the Thunderbirds at Luke AFB in 1955, when team moved from the F-84G

Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 22, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 38 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 22, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.